Simon shifts to Polygram

By VARIETY STAFF

Polygram Music Publishing has inked a worldwide administration pact with singer Carly Simon. The deal, which gives Polygram the right to control the licensing, exploitation and collection of income from Simon's songs, is long-term and takes effect immediately.

Landing Simon is also a feather in Polygram's cap as the songstress --- who has strong ties to several key filmmakers who routinely tap her musical skill --- was still signed to BMG Music, according to sources. An out in the latter's pact allowed Simon to jump ship.

"Carly's an artist with an enormous capacity for creating great, lasting songs," David Simone, prexy of Polygram Music Publishing Group told Daily Variety. "Her writing skill has spanned various musical genres ... and her involvement in films as well as books makes her one of today's most diverse and talented artists."

Simon, the author of such chestnuts as "Jesse," "Anticipation" and "That's the Way I Always Heard it Should Be," among others, won an Academy Award for her song "Let the River Run," the lead track from the film "Working Girl."

"From the first time I met (the execs from Polygram) I knew it was going to be a good match," Simon said. "They were familiar with not only my hits, but also with some of the more obscure songs that I had thought only I, and a few of my closest friends ... were aware of."

Simon, who is signed to Arista Records, has released a number of popular discs, including "Letters Never Sent," which boasts several well-crafted songs. She will release a new album this fall.